bubble

burst the bubble of (someone)

To upset or destroy someone's belief, conviction, or mood by delivering news that runs contrary to what they hold to be true. I hate to burst the bubble of everyone here, but this period of economic success will not last long.

pop (one's) bubble

To disprove, ruin, or destroy someone's fantasy, delusion, or misbelief. A less common variant of "burst (someone's) bubble." Sorry to pop your bubble, Janet, but Sarah only went out on a date with you to make Suzie jealous.Sean took pleasure in popping the environmentalist's bubble, explaining to him that renewable energy devices cause huge environmental damage to produce.

pop the bubble of (someone)

To disprove, ruin, or destroy someone's fantasy, delusion, or misbelief. A less common variant of "burst the bubble of (someone)." The Supreme Court ruling is likely to pop the bubble of all the activists who were in favor of overturning the case.

burst (one's) bubble

To bring someone back to reality, especially if they are dreaming or fantasizing about something unrealistic. Look, I hate to burst your bubble, but there is no way you're getting into Harvard! You're a C student!

bubble over

1. Literally, of a liquid, to boil so vigorously that it flows out of its container. If you put too much water in the pot, it might bubble over.

2. By extension, for an emotion to be exhibited because it is too strong for one to contain. Her enthusiasm for the subject she teaches just bubbles over in the classroom.Their excitement at becoming homeowners is bubbling over—no one is usually that interested in discussing recessed lighting!

bubble up

1. Of a liquid, to emerge from something, usually from under a surface, in a bubbling manner. Take a sample of the substance that's bubbling up from the ground.

2. For an emotion to be exhibited because it is too strong for one to contain. Her enthusiasm for the subject she teaches always bubbles up in the classroom.Their excitement at becoming homeowners is bubbling up—no one is usually that interested in discussing recessed lighting!

3. To become stronger or more intense, especially after having been suppressed. Anger bubbled up in me with each note of criticism from my peers.

burst (someone's) bubble

To disprove, ruin, or eliminate someone's fantasy, delusion, misbelief, or recent happiness. Sorry to burst your bubble, Janet, but Sarah only went out on a date with you to make Suzie jealous.I'm happy you won, and I don't mean to burst your bubble while you're celebrating, but your opponent could use some encouragement.

the bubble bursts

A period of unusually high success ends. A "bubble" describes something, typically a trend or market, that expands until it "pops" (fails). When the bubble bursts on these toys, a lot of people are going to be left with a lot of worthless trinkets.In the 90s, the bubble burst on Internet startups, but that didn't stop the success of online ventures.

on the bubble

In a state of uncertainty between two possible outcomes. This phrase is often used in reference to sports teams. I hate being on the bubble. When will the coach finalize the roster already?Several teams are on the bubble and will find out tonight if they made the tournament.

bubble up (through something)

[for a liquid] to seep up or well up through something, such as from between rocks, through a crack in the floor, or through a hole in the bottom of a boat. The water bubbled up through a crack in the basement floor.

burst someone's bubble

Fig. to destroy someone's illusion or delusion; to destroy someone's fantasy. I hate to burst your bubble, but Columbus did not discover Canada.Even if you think I am being foolish, please don't burst my bubble.

half a bubble off plumb

the bubble bursts

COMMON You say the bubble bursts to mean that a very successful or happy time ends. The bubble has burst. Crowds at the team's World League games are down from last year's 40,000 average to 22,000.After the internet bubble burst, you would have believed that no one wanted innovation. Note: You can also say that someone or something pricks the bubble when they cause something happy or successful to end. They fear to do anything that would prick the stock-market bubble. Note: The bubble referred to in these expressions is the South Sea Bubble, a financial disaster which took its name from The South Sea Company. In the early 18th century, this company took over the British national debt in return for a monopoly of trade with the South Seas. A lot of people invested in the company, but it crashed in 1720 and many investors became bankrupt.

burst someone's bubble

If someone or something bursts your bubble, they stop you being so happy or satisfied. A terrible defeat in Saturday's match burst their bubble.Costa burst her bubble, telling her that her boyfriend had been arrested.

on the bubble

AMERICAN

If someone or something is on the bubble, they are in a difficult situation, and do not know if they will succeed or fail. The energy minister is on the bubble over the ongoing complaints over energy prices.His new TV series is on the bubble for cancellation after poor ratings. Note: The reference may be to a bubble which is about to burst, or to the bubble on a spirit level, which will move off centre if the level is not kept exactly horizontal.

bubbles

half a bubble off plumb

on the bubble

On the brink of a new development or condition, especially in danger of being cut from a sports team: "These are the players on the bubble, the ones who are not sure if they have made the team"(Jason Diamos).

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.